Reverend Frank Shields
March 11, 1941 – March 20, 2024

Reverend Frank Shields, husband, father, tickle-papaw, friend, and a devout servant of God, peacefully passed away on March 20, 2024, at the age of 83. Born in Summit, Mississippi, on March 11, 1941, Reverend Shields led a life filled with unwavering faith, compassion, and dedication to his family, congregations, and community.

In June of 1963, Rev. Shields married his beloved wife, Linda Sherard, and together they embarked on a journey of love and partnership that spanned over five decades. Linda’s passing on February 7, 2017, left a profound void in Reverend Shields’s heart, but his faith remained steadfast.

Reverend Shields was also preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Pauline Preston of Vicksburg, Mississippi, and several siblings: Sydney Preston, Mary “Mazzie” Preston, and Johnny “Duck” Beard. He is survived by his brother, Delmar Preston and his wife, Robin, along with his sister-in-law Sandra Hynum and her husband, Mike, of Vicksburg, Mississippi, and brother-in-law Garvin Sherard and his wife, Wilma Lois, also of Vicksburg, Mississippi.

On January 12, 2019, he found love once again when he married Bonita Worsham Smith of Ruston, Louisiana. Bonita brought not only her love but also her children, Will Smith and wife Cammi, and JD Smith and wife Julie, into their family, enriching their lives with new bonds and cherished memories.

Reverend Shields leaves behind a loving legacy through his four children and their families. Tommy Shields and his wife Wanda, MelindaKaye Lucas and her husband Carl, Katherine Venable and her husband Andrew, Jennifer McMillan, and husband Johnny. Frank leaves behind many grandchildren, Heather and husband Travis, Jordan and husband Justin, Jesse, Andrea, Ben, JoAnna and husband Eddie, Noah, Andy, Jessica and husband Ryan, Matt and wife Jessica, Emilee, Gabe, Bryan, Ian, Niven, Devin, Luc, and Keagan. He also leaves behind 16 great grandchildren.

Reverend Shields lived a life of devotion where his passion was guiding others to love the Lord and one another. His legacy reminds us to prioritize faith and love in our own lives.

A Celebration of Life and Legacy Service for Reverend Frank Shields will be held on Good Friday, March 29, 2024, at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Jonesboro, Louisiana. Visitation will begin at 9 am and services will begin at 10 am.

Rebecca Diane Willis
June 22, 1955 – March 19, 2024

Memorial services for Rebecca Diane Willis, age 68 of Ruston, Louisiana was held at on Friday, March 22, 2024 at Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home in Ruston, Louisiana with Rev. Eddie Balance officiating.

Diane was born June 22, 1955 to Alfred Miles Willis and Margaret Katherine Blackwelder Willis in Ruston, Louisiana. She passed away on March 19, 2024 in Ruston, Louisiana.

Diane worked at Ruston Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, where she enjoyed being around her patients. She loved spending time with her family, especially her great-grand babies. Diane loved to watch the New Orleans Saints play football. Her friends knew her as being stubborn and hard-headed, but loved her anyway. Diane always watched church on Sunday morning and didn’t like to be disturbed. She is preceded in death by her parents; step-dad, Jesse Collinsworth; and brothers: Allen Willis, Tommy Willis, and Charles Willis.

Diane is survived by daughter: Heather Smith and husband D.J. of Quitman, LA: granddaughter, Rebecca Davis and husband Thomas of Ruston, LA; grandsons: Jason Reynolds and wife Valerie of Ruston, LA, Bailey Smith and wife Anna of Indianola, IA, and Trenton Smith of Quitman, LA; brothers: Danny Willis and wife Beverly of Choudrant, LA and Billy Willis and wife Linda of Ruston, LA; great-grandchildren: Damien, Nicholas, Brandon, Ella, Michael, Isaac, and Samuel.

Honorary pallbearers were Michael Willis, Matt Willis, Jason Willis, and Lance Willis.